Compliance with our backflow requirements is the responsibility of the water account holder. If you are renting a home or commercial space, your landlord or property management company may agree to take care of the backflow installation and/or annual testing, but it is the ultimately the account holder's responsibility.

We recommend contacting a licensed plumber. You can install it yourself, but it must be installed according to our specifications, and we will inspect it after installation.

If you hire someone to install it, provide him with a copy of the letter and installation guidelines enclosed in the letter.

Once it's installed, you or the installer should contact us to request an inspection. If it passes inspection, the final step is to have it tested by a tester from our List of Approved Backflow Testers.

Backflow prevention assemblies have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to wear and failure. Annual testing ensures they are functioning properly and protecting our public water system.

Residential customers are only required to install a backflow preventer if the home has an in-ground irrigation system or pool. It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if an irrigation system or pool is installed.

Backflow requirements vary for commercial customers based on the business's water use. Our staff reviews newly established commercial water accounts to assess the degree of backflow hazard and notifies businesses about backflow requirements.

Backflow is the reversal of the normal flow of water. It's caused by pressure differences and can allow contaminants from an irrigation system, boiler, or other source to enter a home or building's plumbing system or the public water supply.

A cross connection is a link between a potable water system and a non-potable water system, in our case, Charleston Water’s public water lines and our customers’ private plumbing systems. Backflow can occur through cross connections.

A sudden drop in water pressure in our public system can cause backflow.

Backpressure can also cause backflow. Backpressure occurs when a building's plumbing system has higher pressure than the public water supply.

Both situations can allow water and contaminants from a private plumbing system to reverse flow into the public supply, potentially contaminating the water for other users. Backflow preventers keep this from happening.

Since 1985, we have installed residential dual check valves on every residential water service. We also require a customers whose water use presents a backflow hazard to install and annually test a backflow prevention assembly according to our specifications.

As long as the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential forbackflow exists, and you must comply with all backflow requirements, including having it tested annually.

To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system.

If your irrigation system is served by the same water service that serves your home or business, you can have the irrigation system cut and capped. Once this is complete, contact us to schedule an inspection.

If your irrigation system is served by a separate irrigation meter, contact us to close the account and we will lock or remove the meter.

If you find a water leak and repair it, you may be eligible for an adjustment on the sewer portion of your bill. We only offer sewer adjustments because water from a leak typically does not enter the sewer system. We require proof of repair before granting a leak adjustment, and customers are eligible for one leak adjustment every three years.

Use the link below to submit a leak adjustment request, or call our Customer Service Department at (843) 727-6800. Leak Adjustment Request Form

If you live inside the City of Charleston, your bill includes a charge for the City of Charleston's Storm Water Utility. Charleston Water System acts as a billing and collection agent for this fee, but we do not determine the fee, nor are we responsible for storm water drainage.

For questions about the storm water fee, please contact the City of Charleston's Storm Water Utility at 843-724-7246.

The primary driver of rate increases is the need to fund new and replacement infrastructure.Many of our water mains, sewer lines, and treatment facilities are over 50 years old and have reached the end of their service life.

Replacing this aging infrastructure is necessary to maintain the level of service we all expect, but the cost is high.

Charleston Water System funds infrastructure by issuing revenue bonds and raising rates to repay the debt. Retained earnings and impact fee revenue provide some funding, but not enough to meet the needs.

The three-year series of rate increases approved in 2010 are funding our current Capital Improvements Program, which includes 39 high-priority water and sewer infrastructure projects. The total estimated cost of these projects is $155.9 million.

Our water and sewer rate structures both include a minimum bill, which is a monthly charge for service availability and up to 2 Ccf (1,496 gallons) of water consumption.

The minimum bill is designed to recover the costs associated with making service available, including costs related to metering and billing and infrastructure. The water minimum bill also pays for the costs associated with providing water for fire protection, one of our key functions.

These costs remain constant regardless of whether you use any water in a billing period.

Your water meter is read approximately every 28-31 days. If we are unable to get a reading, your bill will be estimated based on your previous water usage. The following month, an actual reading will be taken and we'll make any necessary adjustments.

You can help by making sure your water meter is accessible. Common obstacles that prevent us from reading meters include debris, cars parked over a meter, and unfriendly dogs.

It's the maximum sewer charge for residential customers who use 18 Ccf or more of water a month. The sewer cap is designed to account for high residential water use related to outdoor watering, which does not enter the sewer system.

The sewer cap does not apply to the domestic meter for residential customers who have a separate irrigation account or commercial customers.

The most common reasons for a high bill are changes in water use and leaks.

Did you do anything that would use more water than usual, such as outdoor watering or having house guests? Check for leaks. Typical culprits are running toilets, leaking outdoor spigots, and damaged sprinkler heads.

You can use your water meter to help determine if you have a leak. The little red triangle on the meter dial is a flow indicator. Turn off all water-using fixtures and appliances inside and outside your home, then check the triangle. If it’s spinning, even slightly, that means water is going through the meter, and you probably have a leak. Keep searching or contact a plumber for help.

Most point-of-use (POU) filters are designed to improve the aesthetics of water (improve taste and odor), not remove harmful bacteria. You can learn about the capability of your filter by contacting the manufacturer or NSF International, an independent testing group located in Ann Arbor, Michigan (Ph: 1-800-673-8010). If in doubt, you should boil your water or use bottled water even if you have a filtering system.

An advisory or notice will remain in effect until test samples show the water is safe to drink. Testing for bacteria requires 18-24 hours to complete, depending on the type of test used. The samples are incubated to actually grown bacteria, if any are present. As a result, advisories and notices will be in effect for at least 18-24 hours.

By regulation, Charleston Water System must follow certain public notification efforts, which include dissemination to media outlets, door-to-door notification, and any other means to notify water users.

Charleston Water System will issue a repeal of the advisory or notice when the water is safe to drink; stay tuned to radio and television stations for updates. Charleston Water System will also post information on this website and post an automated message on the Customer Service phone menu system, which can be accessed by dialing 843-727-6800.

The water is safe for washing dishes, but you should use hot, soapy water (you may add one tablespoon of bleach per gallon as a precaution) and rinse dishes in boiled water. There are no restrictions on doing laundry. The water is also safe for bathing during an advisory or notice. If the water is contaminated by a chemical that will cause harm on contact, Charleston Water System will issue a Do Not Use Notice, meaning the water should not be used for bathing.

Until test results show the water is safe to drink, you should not drink the water without boiling it first. During an advisory, chances are, if you are in good health, you will not get sick from drinking the water. However, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems should not drink the water until it is deemed safe to drink. Symptoms of illness caused by bacteria in the water may include diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. Please note that these symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

Total coliform bacteria are a collection of microorganisms that live in large numbers in the intestines of humans and animals, as well as in most soils and surface water. A sub-group of these microorganisms is the fecal coliform bacteria, the most common member being E coli. These bacteria occur naturally in lakes and streams, but indicate that the water is contaminated with human or animal waste and therefore may pose a health risk to people who drink it.

The water treatment process removes these bacteria from the water, but events such as a water main break or a loss of pressure in the water distribution system may allow these bacteria to enter water lines through cracks in pipes or back-siphoning from a residential plumbing system. Boiling water vigorously for 1 minute will kill these bacteria and make water safe to drink.

A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is a public statement advising customers to boil tap water before consuming it. Advisories are issued when an event has occurred allowing the possibility for the water distribution system to become contaminated. An advisory does not mean that the water is contaminated, but rather that it could be contaminated. Since the water quality is unknown, customers should assume the water is unsafe to drink and take the appropriate precautions.

An advisory is different from a Boil Water Notice, which is issued when contamination is confirmed in the water system. During a notice, all customers must boil their water before consuming it or use bottled water.

You should boil tap water vigorously for at least 1 full minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks, and water for pets. Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container. Boiling removes harmful bacteria in the water that may cause illness. You should throw away ice made during the time the advisory or notice was issued, as freezing does not kill bacteria.

After an advisory or notice has been lifted (if contamination of the water system did occur), you should flush household pipes, ice makers, water fountains, etc. prior to using for drinking or cooking. Flushing simply means letting the water run to ensure that no contaminated water remains in your pipes. Follow the these guidelines for flushing:

We often receive calls from customers about water leaks that turn out to be on an exterior water service line. We find that many customers do not realize the water and sewer pipes in their yard are part of their private plumbing system and that they are responsible for any repairs, which can be expensive.

To address this, we decided to provide customers with an option for avoiding unexpected repair costs by offering an affordable warranty option for water service lines. Since establishing our own program was not feasible, we decided to partner with a company to provide this service.

After a rigorous selection process that included a thorough review of HomeServe’s protection plan terms, business practices, and customer satisfaction, we decided to partner with HomeServe.

This partnership not only helps raise awareness about service line responsibility, but it also provides an affordable option from a reputable company.

We invited companies that offer service line warranties to submit a proposal for establishing a partnership program. Three companies submitted proposals.

Charleston Water selected HomeServe based on its product offerings, customer service and quality assurance processes, customer satisfaction, plan for working with local plumbers, and references from other utilities that have similar partnerships with HomeServe.

The letter was reviewed and approved by CWS staff, but it was mailed by HomeServe. Because state law prohibits us from sharing any customer information with a private company for the purposes of solicitation, HomeServe acquired names and mailing addresses from another source. As a result, the letters may be addressed to someone other than the CWS account holder.

The advantage is that you will not pay sewer charges on the water you use outdoors. You'll continue to pay sewer charges for your residential account that supplies your home, but those charges will be based on your indoor water usage, which typically decreases when you begin using your irrigation meter for outdoor watering.

The total cost to install a ¾” domestic irrigation meter is $530. That includes a $500 tap fee, which covers the cost to install and connect the new meter, and a $30 account origination fee. This fee is nonrefundable or transferable.

It's important to note that irrigation accounts require you to install a backflow prevention device and have it tested annually by an approved tester. A certified plumber or contractor can install a backflow preventer for you. The cost will depend on the type of device required and the installation labor.

Commercial accounts are charged both a tap and impact fee based on meter size. In most cases, an irrigation meter can be very cost effective because commercial accounts are charged wastewater based on 100 percent of their water use fees.

Tap and impact fees cover the cost for the Charleston Water System distribution system to install and connect the new meter. A $30 account origination fee is also charged for creation of the new account. This fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

It is important to note that irrigation accounts require installation of a backflow prevention device. These devices must be tested annually by an approved tester. A plumber or contractor can install a backflow preventer for you. The cost will be determined by the type of device required and the installation labor. Annual testing fees vary, so it’s a good idea to call around for pricing, but be sure to use a Charleston Water System approved tester.

Your savings and payback period depends on where you live and your water use.

Calculate potential savings:

Inside city of Charleston

First, calculate the average amount you pay in SEWER charges each month. For this example, let’s say it is $67.75 (Based on 2018 average customer usage of 7 Ccf).

Subtract this amount from the maximum sewer charge, which is $144.21 (2018 inside City rate)

Subtract the minimum monthly water charge for an irrigation account, which is $12.60 (inside city rate for a 3/4" size meter).

In this case, the potential monthly savings for an inside-City customer would be $63.86.

Outside city of Charleston

First, calculate the average amount you pay in SEWER charges each month. Let’s say it is $93.35 (Based on 2018 average customer usage of 7 Ccf.)

Subtract this amount from the maximum sewer charge, which is $196.67 (2018 outside the City rate).

Now subtract the minimum monthly water charge for an irrigation account, which is $19.35 for outside-City customers (for a 3/4" size meter).

In this case, the potential monthly savings for an outside-City account would be $83.97.

Most customers see a payback on the up-front cost of installing the irrigation meter in 4 to 5 years. For a savings and payback period estimate, call (843) 727-6800, or email us. One important thing to consider is how getting an irrigation meter will affect your domestic sewer bill if you live in a single family home. You won't pay any sewer charges for water use through an irrigation meter, but your sewer bill for your residential account will increase slightly because your domestic sewer charges will be calculated based on 100% of your domestic water usage instead of 95%.

It typically takes two to four weeks from the time you apply and pay for an irrigation account to the time it is installed.

Additionally, our backflow requirements must be met before we will activate the irrigation service. We require irrigation accounts to have a backflow prevention assembly in order to protect our water system against contamination from backflow.

Charleston Water System does not install or test backflow preventers. Customers are responsible for installing backflow preventers in accordance with our requirements and having them tested annually.

Charleston Water System will install the new meter box and meter. The customer is responsible for connecting their water service line on their property to the new meter (we recommend hiring a qualified plumber, landscaper, or contractor to do this). We do not install irrigation systems or required backflow preventers.

Once a position closes, all applications are reviewed by the hiring department. The Human Resources Department will then contact the qualified applicants, and for certain positions, schedule "Work Keys" testing to measure the applicant's work skills.

Applicants who meet the "Work Keys" criteria will be scheduled for an interview, and depending on the position, there may be several interviews. Background and reference checks will then be conducted on selected candidates, and an applicant must undergo a pre-employment physical and drug testing before he / she is hired.

Work Keys is a tool used to assess applicants' skills in the areas of reading, math, locating information, teamwork, observation, listening, and writing. The test is administered at Trident One Stop Career Center. Candidates applying for positions that are Work Keys tested must take this test for further consideration in the hiring process.

Water pressure varies by area, and water system design calculations must be based on the results of flow test. Charleston Water system will perform a flow test upon request for a fee. To request a test, please complete the Hydrostatic Flow Test Request Form.

No. These products, ranging from wipes to toilet cleaners, do not break down easily in the sewer system the way toilet paper does.

"Flushable" wipes, paper towels, and other fibrous material can clog pipes or tangle into massive knots that damage pumps. In severe cases, a clogged sewer line or damaged pump can lead to a sewer overflow.

You can help prevent clogs in your plumbing and the public sewer system by only flushing human waste and toilet paper--put everything else in the trash!

No. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove pharmaceuticals, so flushing them can introduce these compounds into the water environment, where they can impact wildlife and sources of drinking water.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends disposing of expired medications in the trash. To prevent tampering, take the medicine out of its original container and mix with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a plastic bag or other container. FDA drug disposal guidelines

Grease hardens as it cools. Even when mixed with hot water, the grease will separate out and settle in plumbing systems and sewer lines. Over time, grease accumulation can severely reduce the capacity of a pipe or block it completely, sometimes resulting in sewer back-ups or overflows.

Dispose of fats, oils, and grease by pouring it into a container and putting it in the trash.

“Activated sludge” is a mass of microorganisms that digest organic material in wastewater. The microorganisms clean the wastewater by digesting organic materials and other contaminants. Wastewater remains in aeration basins for about three hours to allow time for the microorganisms to grow and consume the bacteria.

A "responsive bid" is a bid that meets all the terms, conditions and specifications of the IFB. A "responsible bidder" is a bidder who has the financial resources, personnel, facilities, integrity, and overall capability to complete a particular Charleston Water System contract successfully.

Ye, if it is in the best interest of the Commission to accept the "all or none" stipulation, the bid may be accepted for evaluation. However, if the Commission determines that the "all or none" stipulation is not in its best interest, the bid may be disqualified by the Director of Operations Support.

Yes, they are called small field purchases. Small purchase orders (SPO) cover the procurement of certain minor miscellaneous materials and supplies, the value of which do not warrant purchasing under centralized. The SPO is limited to a specified monetary amount $200.00 per order and is authorized for use under specific conditions.

You should bid on only those items you can provide. The Director of Operations Support has the option to decide, after bid evaluation, whether or not a bid-in-part is feasible for the Commission. The individual bid will indicate whether the bid will be awarded on an individual line item basis or in the aggregate or combination thereof.

Product approval or evaluation is normally done after bids are received and opened. However, in some instances the Commission will evaluate certain products and establish a Qualified Products list. When this is the case, products can be submitted for evaluation at any time.

Yes, if the bid specified "a brand name or Charleston Water System approved equal," you may offer an alternative" or equal" brand. "Or equal" products will be evaluated after bids are received, based on literature submitted and any required testing for the product.

Yes, our source water includes naturally occurring fluoride (approximately 0.15 mg/L), and we adjust the level to approximately 0.7 mg/L during the treatment process.

Drinking Water Fluoridation (Position Statement)Adopted by the Board of Commissioners October 24, 2017

The Charleston Water System (CWS) supports the recommendations of the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, Canadian Medical Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association, Canadian Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association and other professional organizations in the medical community, for the proper fluoridation of public water supplies as a public health benefit. We also support regular scrutiny of the most current peer reviewed research on fluoride and the positions of the medical and dental community.

We adjust the naturally occurring level of fluoride in our drinking water in a responsible, effective, and reliable manner that includes monitoring and controlling fluoride levels as mandated by state and/or federal laws, regulations and recommendations. We carefully monitor and adjust potable water to achieve the scientifically recommended concentration of fluoride for protection against dental caries, which is 0.7 parts per million. Our annual cost for this program is about $110,000, which equates to $0.25 per person across the approximately 450,000 people in our water service area.

The CWS participates in the fluoridation of water under the guidance of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Oral Health Division. SCDHEC coordinates their program in conjunction with the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Charleston Water System uses chlorine dioxide and chloramines (a compound formed by combining ammonia and chlorine) to protect against harmful microorganisms.

Chloramines are more stable than chlorine in the water distribution system, and chloramine residuals help maintain consistent water quality. The amount of disinfectant is carefully measured to the lowest level needed to keep the water free of disease-causing organisms. Learn more about the water treatment process.

Charleston Water System prevents the corrosion of lead plumbing into water by adjusting the properties of our water. We add a corrosion inhibitor during the treatment process, which forms a molecular barrier between the pipe and the water inside.

The results of our lead testing are well below the USEPA's limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Lead testing results are included in our most recent water quality report.

As an extra precaution, customers can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing out water that has been sitting in your home's plumbing for several hours or more. Just let your water run for up to two minutes before using it for cooking or drinking.

Charleston Water System offers free lead tests. Testing kits are available at our office locations: 103 St. Philip St., Downtown, and 6296 Rivers Ave., North Area. For more information, click here or visit the USEPA's web site.

Hot water from the tap comes from your water heater, which may contain impurities. Also, if you have plumbing with lead solder or brass fixtures (which contain lead), the lead is more likely to leach into hot water than cold water. Instead of using the hot water tap, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave.

No. Charleston Water System uses chloramines (a combination of chlorine and ammonia) to disinfect drinking water, and chloramines are harmful to fish and other aquatic life. There are a number of products available at pet stores to remove chloramines from your fish tank.

Charleston Water System tap water is safe for dog, cats, and other non-aquatic pets.

Water spots on dishes are caused by minerals in the water left behind when water evaporates. To prevent this, use a rinsing agent in your dishwasher, which improves the sheeting action of water and helps to prevent spotting.

Also, be sure to use the proper amount of dishwashing detergent. Using too little may not get your dishes clean, and using too much can cause etching (which is tiny scratches on the surface of the glass that cannot be removed).

The optimal amount of detergent depends on the hardness of water (amount of minerals in the water). Our water's hardness level is about 58.4 ppm, or 3.4 gpg. Check your dishwasher's manual for the recommended amount of detergent to use.

There are a variety of factors that can impact the taste or smell of tap water but not change the quality of the water. In Charleston Water's case, algae in our surface water, when put through the treatment process, can give off harmless compounds that may cause the water to taste “earthy” or “musty.” In most cases, taste and odor are purely aesthetic concerns, and are not reliable indicators of water quality.

No. We monitor our source water for both, and there is a very low occurrence of these pathogenic organisms.

In addition, our treatment plant has multiple barriers of protection, such as enhanced chemical coagulation, filtration, disinfection, and careful monitoring of turbidity to ensure the optimum removal of these organisms. However, for people with compromised immune systems, the EPA and CDC offer the following advisory statement:

"Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, some elderly and some infants can be particularly at risk from infections.

These people should seek advice from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791."

If the public water system becomes contaminated or a situation allows the possibility of contamination (such as a water main break or loss of system pressure), Charleston Water System will issue a Boil Water Advisory.

The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) requires the issuance of a Boil Water Advisory under certain conditions, such as widespread loss of system pressure or a large water main break.

If an advisory is issued, we will notify customers in a variety of ways, depending on the area affected. During an advisory, customers should bring water to a vigorous boil for at least one minute and let it cool before using for cooking or drinking. This will kill any bacteria that may be in the water.Learn more about boil water advisories

The pH of water is a measure of the water's acidity on a scale of 0 (acidic) to 14 (basic), with a pH of 7 being neutral. The pH of Charleston's water is adjusted to around 8.3. This helps stabilize the disinfectant and to reduce the corrosion of pipes and plumbing materials.

Water hardness is a measure of dissolved minerals in water, specifically calcium and magnesium. Soft water has little or no dissolved minerals. Hard water has higher mineral content that can cause scaling in plumbing and soap scum residue in bathrooms.

Charleston Water System has moderately soft water. Our lab measures hardness in parts per million (ppm), but it can also be expressed in grains per gallon (gpg). The average hardness level of our water is 58.4 ppm, or 3.4 gpg, as shown in this chart.

Some dishwashers and washing machines have hardness-related settings or recommend how much detergent to use based on your water's hardness.

We treat water from the Edisto River and the Bushy Park Reservoir, both of which are surface water sources. The water is treated at our Hanahan Water Treatment Plant, which is permitted to treat up to 118 million gallons per day (mgd).

Discolored water can sometimes occur as a result of fire hydrant testing, valve testing, or work on a nearby water main.

A change in the direction or velocity of water flow water can cause the iron compounds that accumulate in water mains to become suspended in the water, resulting in a discolored appearance.

Typically, our crews will open a nearby fire hydrant to flush out this discolored water before it reaches customers' taps. If you experience discolored water, flush your plumbing by turning on a faucet until the water runs clear. If it persists, call us at (843) 727-6800.